A: Cats and dogs age at a much more rapid rate than people. Taking your pet to the veterinarian once a year is like you going to the doctor once every seven years. Pets can develop life-threatening diseases in a short time span because of their rapid aging process. Many of these conditions can be treated if they are caught early enough. This is why twice a year pet wellness checks are so important. For more information visit www.npwm.com, or read more in our Top Story...